Cryogenics and Superconductivity Society of Japan

A Greeting from the President

The mission of the Cryogenics and Superconductivity Society of Japan (CSSJ) is to advance cryogenic and superconductivity-related science and technology, in order to benefit society. The CSSJ evolved out of the Cryogenic Association of Japan, which was established in 1966. After the Cryogenic Association of Japan was founded, it grew and developed steadily, and in 2011, exactly 100 years after the discovery of superconductivity, it was renamed the CSSJ, representing a new start in its evolution. This year (2016) marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cryogenic Association of Japan.

Superconductivity, which enables the flow of large currents with an electrical resistance of zero, has enormous untapped potential, and is expected to become even more important in the future. For example, coils manufactured by winding wires made of a superconductor can be used to generate very powerful magnetic fields without consuming any electricity. Such superconducting magnets are already used in, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices for medical diagnostic purposes. In addition, superconducting magnets are key elements of JR-Central's Linear Chuo Shinkansen (bullet train), which is currently under construction. However, since superconductivity is a phenomenon that occurs only at extremely low temperatures, powerful refrigerating devices are needed to keep the magnets at cryogenic temperatures. Thus, superconductivity applications can only be practically implemented by combining superconductor technology and refrigeration technology. In addition to considering these technologies as a whole, another important role of the CSSJ is to advance the basic sciences that underlie these technologies, in order to utilize them effectively.

To make use of the latent power of superconductivity science and technology for the benefit of society, we have formulated seven important fields of activity (action indicators), as outlined below. These fields are all deeply connected with human life and future science and technology. Through scientific and technological advancement in these seven fields, to help realize a healthier and happier life for people everywhere, the CSSJ looks forward to continued collaboration with academic societies, researchers, and engineers all over the world.

Hiroaki Kumakura
President of Cryogenics and Superconductivity Society of Japan

Outline of CSSJ

Cryogenics and Superconductivity Society of Japan (CSSJ) was established as a public interest incorporated association on April 1, 2011. The previous organization of CSSJ has been Cryogenic Association of Japan established in 1966, through the informal meeting for Cryogenic Engineering started on 1961.

CSSJ Secretariat is located in Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

CSSJ mission is to provide quality programs, opportunities and information related to cryogenics and superconductivity technologies for communicating among members and non-members in response to community needs.

We work under the President with nine excellent committees, two study commissions, one institute and three local branches located in Kyushu/Nishi-Nihon, Kansai, and Tohoku/Hokkaido.